At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead risk-based audits and provide assurance to senior leaders in a high-hazard environment.
- Company: Join the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the UK's independent nuclear regulator.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to influence and improve organisational practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and governance in the nuclear industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal audit and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 25674 - 28093 £ per year.
Location: Bootle, Cheltenham, London
Job Purpose: The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is the UK’s independent nuclear regulator, responsible for ensuring that the nuclear industry controls its hazards effectively and maintains the highest standards of safety, security and safeguards.
About The Role: As a Senior Assurance Lead, you will lead and deliver risk-based audit engagements across ONR’s regulatory and corporate functions. You will act as a trusted advisor and critical friend, providing insight, challenge and assurance to senior leaders, helping to ensure effective decision‑making in a complex, high‑hazard regulatory environment. ONR operates a Three Lines of Defence model and you will perform Internal Assurance reviews in line with the second line of defence and Regulatory Assurance reviews acting on behalf of the third line of defence.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Deliver end‑to‑end internal assurance assignments, including planning, fieldwork, reporting and follow‑up, in line with professional standards.
- Develop and execute risk‑based audit plans, aligned to ONR’s strategic risks and priorities.
- Provide independent assurance on governance, risk management and internal control effectiveness, including undertaking embedded assurance reviews.
- Produce clear, concise and impactful internal assurance reports with practical recommendations to senior stakeholders.
- Build strong relationships across ONR to influence and support continuous improvement.
- Monitor and track implementation of audit recommendations, ensuring timely resolution of findings.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of assurance methodology, tools and practices.
- Support ad hoc reviews, investigations and advisory work as required.
- Promote a strong culture of risk awareness, accountability and learning across the organisation.
Line Management Responsibilities:
As part of this role there will be an expectation to manage staff.
Location / Travel:
This post may be undertaken from a base at any one of ONR’s office locations (Bootle, Cheltenham, or London). ONR operates hybrid working (working in the office and or at home) as part of our flexible working policy. There is an expectation that everyone will spend time in the office on a regular basis.
Inclusion:
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We will consider reasonable adjustments to ensure the recruitment process is inclusive and barrier‑free. If you require reasonable adjustments as part of your application, please contact ONR HR as soon as possible, preferably before the vacancy closes, by emailing ONR.Human-Resources@onr.gov.uk or francesca.fay@onr.gov.uk to discuss further. We will also offer an interview to disabled people and to Veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the respective guaranteed interview schemes.
Security Clearance: SC
Essential Criteria:
- Demonstrable experience delivering internal audit or assurance reviews in a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of risk management, governance and internal control frameworks.
- Proven ability to analyse complex information and make risk‑based judgements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience of building effective relationships and providing constructive challenge.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to deadlines.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience within a regulated industry.
- Knowledge of government risk frameworks (e.g. Orange Book).
- Experience of data analytics tools to support audit delivery.
Qualifications:
- Chartered Internal Auditor (CIA)
- CCAB‑qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Band 3 Senior Internal Assurance Lead employer: OFFICE FOR NUCLEAR REGULATION
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bootle, Cheltenham, or London, where you can make a meaningful impact on public safety and regulatory standards. With a strong commitment to employee development, ONR promotes a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity, providing opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work collaboratively with senior leaders in a high-stakes industry. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working arrangements, a supportive team atmosphere, and the satisfaction of contributing to the safety and security of the nuclear sector.
Contact Details:
OFFICE FOR NUCLEAR REGULATION Recruitment Team
